Shinkei Systems is setting a new standard in the seafood industry by leveraging cutting-edge robotics technology. As one of the fastest-growing food robotics startups in the United States, the company is expanding significantly with a new headquarters in El Segundo, California, where it plans to more than double its corporate footprint.
The new location spans an impressive 15,000 square feet within the Standard Works campus, nestled in the heart of Los Angeles’ dynamic coastal tech hub. This multipurpose space at 1301 El Segundo Blvd. is not just a corporate office; it’s a state-of-the-art facility for engineering, testing, and manufacturing Shinkei’s advanced robotic systems. Additionally, it will house the operations for Seremoni, their premium seafood brand that is redefining how seafood is sourced, harvested, and delivered.
This expansion follows Shinkei’s successful $22 million Series A funding round, co-led by Founders Fund and Interlagos. These resources will bolster the company’s vision to rethink and enhance the seafood supply chain by integrating technology with traditional practices.
Founded in 2021 by Saif Khawaja, Shinkei Systems is distinct in its ambitious goal: to scale humane, high-quality fish harvesting. The company’s proprietary technology combines a patented end-to-end system encompassing robotics, cold chain logistics, traceability, and traditional Japanese methods, ultimately making Michelin-quality seafood accessible to everyone.
The result of this innovative approach is Seremoni Grade seafood, known for its exceptional flavor and delicate texture. What’s particularly noteworthy is the sustainability aspect, with Shinkei’s methods ensuring that significantly less fish goes to waste. Up to two-thirds of wild-caught fish typically fall victim to improper handling and unnecessary bycatch. By employing precision robotics, Shinkei ensures that nearly every fish caught makes it to customers’ plates while extending the seafood’s shelf life up to three times longer than conventionally harvested options.
CEO and co-founder Saif Khawaja expressed enthusiasm about the company’s new headquarters, stating, “Our El Segundo headquarters represent more than just a new address – this space signals our next chapter of growth.” He highlighted the strategic location, saying it positions them close to talented engineers, renowned chefs, and the rich resources of the California shoreline, which are vital for scaling the mission of delivering the world’s most delicious seafood.
In 2024, Seremoni was co-founded by Khawaja and Reed Ginsberg, marking another significant step in Shinkei’s mission. The brand has rapidly captured the attention of eminent chefs and seafood enthusiasts with offerings like Seremoni Grade Black Cod, Black Sea Bass, Vermilion Rockfish, and Red Snapper. In just six months of being on the market, these products have graced the menus of top restaurants, including Sushi Zo, Providence, and Kato in Los Angeles, and nationally recognized establishments like Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Restaurant Daniel.
The El Segundo headquarters is set to become the innovation engine for Shinkei, where the next breakthroughs in seafood technology will be developed. The company is actively hiring engineers to join their team. Under the leadership of CTO and co-founder Reed Ginsberg, they aim to infuse the antiquated seafood industry with advanced analytics, automation, and industry-leading traceability.
Reflecting on the strategic importance of their new home, Ginsberg noted, “El Segundo’s legacy in aerospace makes it an ideal home for Shinkei. During my four years at SpaceX, I had the incredible opportunity to lead a team focused on engineering systems built for extreme environments, experience that directly informs the work we’re doing now to build robust robotics for the ocean.” He emphasized the ongoing search for talented engineers eager to tackle the challenges of modernizing the seafood industry and designing advanced robotics to generate tangible value in the field.